WASHINGTON, DC – Calling it a victory for consumers and retailers, the Distilled Spirits Council applauded New York budget writers for including flexible six day liquor and wine sales in the budget as a means to raise revenue without raising taxes.
“This truly is a win-win for everyone. It will bring more choices for retailers, more convenience for consumers and additional tax revenue for the state,” said Peter Cressy President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council.
In an agreement struck last night during budget negotiations between Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, wine and liquor stores owners would be allowed to choose which one day per week to be closed – opening the door for sales on Sunday, the second busiest shopping day of the week.
“For some time, retailers and local wineries across the state have been asking for this kind of flexibility,” said Steve Glamuzina, owner of Georgetown Square Wine & Liquor and president of the Empire Package Store Association. “Retailers will now be able to decide which days they stay open based on consumer demand not based on some archaic Blue Law.”
In meetings with budget negotiators, the Council showed how permitting retailers to open on Sundays would help generate $26.7 million from new sales as well as recaptured sales that were being lost to neighboring states that permit Sunday sales. The Council also provided information on other states such as Pennsylvania which has seen a remarkable increase in revenue since Sunday sales have been in effect.
CONTACT: Frank Coleman or Lisa Hawkins
Telephone: 202-682-8840
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